Source – Sky sports
After a string of continuously strong performances, Alpine’s Abbi Pulling was declared the F1 ACADEMY’s sophomore season winner. She secured the championship with a P2 result in Race 1 in Qatar.
Abbi Pulling’s triumph in the F1 Academy 2024 season is a story of grit, consistency, and exceptional talent. At just 21 years old, the British racing prodigy secured the championship title after an impressive run throughout the season, never finishing lower than third in any race. This relentless performance granted her a commanding 95-point lead over her closest rival, Doriane Pin, heading into the penultimate round in Qatar. Despite fierce competition from Pin all season, Pulling’s incredible consistency and determination made her an unstoppable force in the all-female championship.
The title was sealed in dramatic fashion during the first race of the weekend in Qatar. Although Pulling was outqualified by both Pin and Maya Weug, she showcased her racecraft by storming through from P3 to P2. Pin went on to claim a dominant victory, but Pulling’s second-place finish made it mathematically impossible for anyone to overtake her in the standings. Under the dazzling floodlights of Qatar, Pulling achieved her crowning moment, solidifying her place as one of the brightest stars in motorsport.
This championship win is just one part of Pulling’s incredible year. Alongside her F1 Academy campaign, she balanced a drive in British Formula 4, where she made history as the first female race winner at Brands Hatch. Juggling two demanding championships is no easy feat, but Pulling’s ability to excel on multiple fronts underscores her remarkable talent and work ethic. Her success has not only brought her personal accolades but has also cemented her reputation as a trailblazer for women in motorsport.
The Qatar race itself was a thrilling spectacle. Doriane Pin started from pole and maintained her lead throughout the race, while Maya Weug and Abbi Pulling battled closely behind her. Pulling made a decisive move on the Ferrari junior driver, securing second place early on. The race also saw plenty of drama further down the order, with Lia Block dropping from fourth to sixth at the start, while Hamda Al Qubaisi and Wild Card entrant Alisha Palmowski capitalized on the chaos to gain positions. False starts by Chloe Chambers and Tina Hausmann earned them penalties, adding to the high-stakes environment under the lights.
Despite Pin’s commanding win, with a gap of 6.747 seconds over Pulling, the focus remained on the new champion. The British driver’s unshakable performance throughout the season ensured that her rival’s efforts were not enough to challenge her for the crown. Pulling’s accomplishment is even more remarkable given that she also balanced her commitments with a seat in British Formula 4, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels across multiple disciplines.
As the newly crowned champion, Pulling’s rewards extend beyond the F1 Academy. She will receive a fully funded seat in the GB3 Championship with Rodin Motorsport for the 2025 season, along with 20 days of testing in a GB3 car. This prize offers her a valuable opportunity to further hone her skills and prepare for the next stage of her racing career. Additionally, Pulling will continue her association with Alpine, a partnership that has garnered her praise from F1 driver Esteban Ocon and team principal Oliver Oakes.
Abbi Pulling’s journey in the F1 Academy has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her dominance this season, marked by consistency and resilience, has earned her not only the championship but also a place in the history books as one of the most promising young drivers in motorsport. With her eyes now set on GB3 and continued representation of Alpine, the future looks incredibly bright for this talented driver.
